King Charles III honours legacy of Patriarch Ilia II

His Majesty King Charles III has issued a formal message to the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church, expressing his “profound sorrow” following the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

In a letter addressed to the clergy and the faithful, the King paid tribute to the Patriarch’s lifelong commitment to his country and his faith.

“With deep sorrow I learnt of the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness Ilia II. He will forever remain in our memory as a man who devoted his entire life to service in the Georgian Orthodox Church, spiritual guidance, and constant service to the Georgian people. His ministry was distinguished by wisdom and high moral authority, which earned him the greatest respect both in Georgia and beyond its borders”, he said.

He also recalled the Patriarch’s 2011 visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as an important moment that reflected the strong and respectful relationship between the two nations and their religious institutions.

“His Holiness's visit in 2011 and his meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a vivid testament to the warm and mutually respectful relations that exist between our churches and peoples”, Charles III noted.

“I express my sincere condolences to the clergy and faithful of the Georgian Orthodox Church, as well as to all those who mourn his passing”, he concluded.